Taming a Wild Elephant in the Temporary Stable, rear view 1785

This watercolor by Jan Brandes depicts the process of taming wild elephants in a temporary stable. The artist meticulously captured the details of the process, including the men securing the elephants with ropes, the use of a temporary wooden structure, and the surrounding landscape. Created in 1785, this artwork offers insight into 18th-century practices in the Indian subcontinent. Brandes' keen observation and skilled technique bring a sense of realism to this captivating scene. This is a prime example of a realistic depiction of daily life in a foreign culture through the lens of a European observer.